Tromsø: Northern Lights in a minibus with free photos and a warm meal!

The Tromsø Northern Lights in a Minibus Tour offers an engaging and comfortable way to chase the aurora borealis. Priced at a reasonable rate for a 7-hour experience, it departs from Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø and emphasizes flexibility, expert guidance, and photography. With a rating of 4.8 from 401 reviews, it stands out as a popular choice for those eager to see the Northern Lights in Norway.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who value local expertise, small group sizes of up to 18 people, and professional photography. The inclusion of warm thermal overalls, hot meals around a campfire, and the chance to receive free digital photos makes it a comprehensive experience. However, since natural phenomena depend on weather conditions, the tour cannot guarantee a sighting, but the guides’ knowledge maximizes the chances of witnessing the aurora.

Key Points

• 7-hour tour departing from Tromsø’s Scandic Ishavshotel with flexible locations
• Guides speak German, English, and Spanish, all experienced in aurora chasing and photography
• Includes warm thermal clothing, photo tripods, and headlamps for optimal viewing and comfort
• Hot homemade soup, cookies, and drinks served around a campfire during the wait
• Professional photographers capture portraits and aurora shots, with photos shared after the tour
• Small group size of up to 18 participants enhances a personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tromsø’s Prime Aurora Viewing Spots and Flexible Location Choices

Unlike fixed itineraries, this tour’s strength lies in local knowledge and weather adaptation. The guides actively determine the best viewing spot on the day, heading into areas with little to no light pollution and clear skies. This means the tour may go in any direction—north, south, east, or west—depending on current conditions, often behind mountains or fjords where the weather is more favorable.

The chosen locations are scouted in advance to maximize the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Often, the destination might be a remote fjord, where the dark sky creates an ideal backdrop for the aurora. This flexibility is appreciated in Tromsø, where weather and cloud cover vary across different regions.

Comfort and Practical Equipment for Aurora Chasing

This experience prioritizes guest comfort with top gear provided. Each participant is supplied with warm winter overalls and thermal clothing, ensuring warmth in the Arctic night. The tour also includes camera tripods and headlamps to improve photography and visibility during the wait.

The minibus itself is described as cozy and comfortable, designed to accommodate small groups for a more intimate experience. The driver and guides are attentive to safety and provide a smooth transfer to different locations, often making brief stops or quick bathroom breaks at the start and end of the tour.

A Warm Campfire with Food and Drink in the Arctic Night

One of the highlights is the campfire experience. After reaching a prime viewing spot, guests gather around a bonfire, snuggling into thermal overalls. The guides serve homemade soup, cookies, and hot drinks like tea and hot chocolate, which are especially welcome after the cold wait.

This setup creates a relaxed and social atmosphere, providing comfort and warmth while waiting for the aurora to appear. The fire and food offer a cozy contrast to the Arctic darkness and serve as a memorable part of the adventure.

Capturing the Aurora: Guided Photography and Free Photos

Photography is a central focus on this tour. The guides are professional photographers with expertise in aurora photography. They take numerous photos using professional equipment, including portraits of guests with the Northern Lights as a background.

Guests are encouraged to look over the guide’s shoulder to learn about camera settings and techniques. After the tour, selected photos in medium resolution are sent to participants as a souvenir, allowing everyone to cherish their experience with high-quality images.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Departure Point and How to Find the Tour

This tour departs from in front of the Scandic Ishavshotel, where guests are asked to wait outside. The guide and bus arrive 5 minutes before departure to greet everyone, ensuring a smooth start. In cases where the return route passes near your hotel, a brief stop can be arranged, such as at the Moxy Hotel or other central locations like Scandic or Radisson.

This flexible pickup and drop-off system helps guests return comfortably to their accommodations and fall straight into bed with the Northern Lights still vivid in memory.

Weather and Aurora Viewing: Realistic Expectations

Despite the guides’ expertise and scouting, the nature of the Northern Lights means sightings are never guaranteed. Weather conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity influence the likelihood of a visible display.

The tour’s flexibility in choosing locations and the guides’ local knowledge significantly enhance the chances, but travelers should be prepared for the possibility of not seeing the aurora. The warm clothing, snacks, and friendly atmosphere make the experience rewarding regardless of visibility.

The Experience Provider: Blue Puffin AS

The tour is organized by Blue Puffin AS, a well-reviewed provider known for professional guides and careful planning. The company’s focus on small groups, local expertise, and photography sets it apart from larger, less personalized options. Their attention to safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction is reflected in the high review score of 4.8.

Who Will Enjoy This Tromsø Aurora Tour?

This 7-hour Northern Lights tour appeals to travelers who want an intimate, well-supported experience. It is ideal for those who appreciate local guides, professional photos, and warm communal moments around a campfire. Because it accommodates small groups, it offers a personalized atmosphere and flexibility to chase clear skies.

This experience works best for adults and older children (children under 6 are not suitable), and those who are prepared for cold weather and outdoor conditions. It’s a great choice for photography enthusiasts or anyone eager to make beautiful memories in the Arctic landscape.

Tromsø Northern Lights in a Minibus: Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balance of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance. The small group size, flexibility, and professional photography make it stand out among Aurora chasing options in Tromsø. Guests enjoy warming food, thermal gear, and beautiful scenery combined with the thrill of seeking the Northern Lights.

While natural phenomena cannot be guaranteed, the local knowledge and dedication of the guides greatly increase the chances of witnessing this extraordinary display. This tour is especially suited for those who value personalized service and high-quality photos.

Travelers seeking a reliable, warm, and informative Northern Lights adventure in Tromsø will find this tour offers excellent value and a memorable Arctic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, warm thermal overalls, hot meals, photography services, and photos sent after the tour.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is approximately 7 hours, starting and ending at the Scandic Ishavshotel.

What should I bring?
Guests should wear warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, and warm shoes to stay comfortable outdoors.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity. The guides scout optimal locations but cannot guarantee aurora visibility.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak German, English, and Spanish. It’s recommended to confirm guide availability for Spanish if required.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 years are not suitable, and the tour may involve outdoor conditions that are not appropriate for very young children.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the Scandic Ishavshotel and may include a brief stop near your accommodation on return.

What makes this tour different from others?
The flexibility in location, professional photography, and warm, cozy ambiance set this tour apart, ensuring a personalized Arctic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby